[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] The film “Coming of Age,” which garnered attention at both the Busan International Film Festival and the Seoul Independent Film Festival, is set to hit theaters this September. Poster for the film “When We Grow Up.” (Photo courtesy of Indie Story) According to the distributor, Indie Story, “The Age of Maturity” depicts the story of a family whose bodies, finances, and dreams are all intertwined. Through the characters of a terminally ill father who has yet to come of age, a daughter dreaming of becoming an actress, and a mother hoping for belated independence, the film portrays a realistic family dynamic with a lighthearted yet warm perspective. Prior to its official release, the film received critical acclaim after being invited to major domestic film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival—where it won two awards—as well as the Seoul Independent Film Festival, the Jeonju International Film Festival, the Muju Mountain Film Festival, the Jeongdongjin Independent Film Festival, and the Namdo Film Festival Season 2 in Gwangyang. Audiences who saw the film at these festivals praised it as a masterpiece that seamlessly blends a realistic family story with the actors’ outstanding performances, heightening anticipation for its theatrical release. The film is directed by Jeong Seung-oh, who garnered attention in the independent film scene with his debut feature, *The Burial*. Ki Joo-bong, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Yang Mal-bok are set to deliver a realistic ensemble performance as family members each living with their own wounds and aspirations. Another highlight to watch for is how the three actors will portray the complex dynamics of a family that knows each other best yet struggles to truly understand one another. The teaser poster, released alongside the trailer, features the three characters set against a vibrant color palette, highlighting their individual personalities. The father, “Cheol-taek,” who is terminally ill; the daughter, “Jeong-mi,” who dreams of becoming a famous actress; and the mother, “Hyun-sook,” who longs for independence later in life—each looking in a different direction—symbolically illustrates the relationships among family members who face distinct struggles and lead separate lives even within the same household. The characters’ complex expressions, contrasting with the bright colors, foreshadow both the humor and the realistic emotions the film will convey. Having already generated buzz at film festivals, all eyes are on whether *The Age of Maturity* will continue to resonate with audiences following its theatrical release. The film is scheduled to open this September.
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